Quick Reporting by Citizen Helps Protect Lagoon from Illicit Dumping

Published on May 28, 2026

Stained and damaged asphalt next to a storm drain before it was repaired.

Earlier this week a resident called the Stormwater Hotline to report a gasoline smell coming from a storm drain on Indian River Drive in Melbourne. 

City crews responded, and found that gasoline and oil had been dumped into the storm drain and that the oil had damaged part of the road next to the drain. They removed and replaced the damaged section of road, plugged and washed the drain, then vacuumed out the polluted material. 

Because this was reported to us quickly we were able to remove the gasoline and oil before they washed into the Indian River Lagoon. The individual responsible for the illegal dumping and road damage has not been identified. 

Protect our waterways: 

  • No dumping of any kind is allowed into storm drains. 
  • If you notice anything suspicious, call or text the Stormwater Pollution Hotline at 321-608-7341. Your quick action can make a difference!
Stained and damaged asphalt next to a storm drain before it was repaired.

Storm drain before cleanup and repair.

New asphalt next to a storm drain after it was repaired and the pollution cleaned up.

Storm drain after cleanup and repair.

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